Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order: Battersea High Street and Surrounding Area

Overview

The Council is aware of community concerns about the impact of anti-social behaviour associated with the activities of street drinkers in Battersea High Street and the surrounding area on the quality of life of people in the local area.

An initial phase 1 consultation was carried out in September 2017 for which the Council hand-delivered 1,000 survey letters to all residents and businesses in the immediate area.

148 responses were received and the results showed that:

• 94% of respondents are aware of the presence of street drinkers in Battersea High Street and the surrounding area
• 57% have personally encountered problem behaviour from street drinkers in the area
• 79% are in favour of a zone being established where consumption of alcohol is prohibited in public spaces

The results report is available at the bottom of this page.

The Council has power under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) if satisfied on reasonable grounds that two conditions are met:

• Activities in a public place have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality or it is likely that such activities will be carried on and have that effect

and

• The effect / likely effect of the activities:

1. is/is likely to be of a persistent or continuing nature;
2. which will make the activities unreasonable; and
3. justifies the imposition of the restrictions

In the light of the responses received to the initial phase 1 consultation the Council is consulting more widely on the proposal to introduce a PSPO to address the persistent anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking. The proposed PSPO contains restrictions which would apply in public places within a defined area. A copy of the proposed PSPO can be found at the bottom of this page with a map showing the proposed extent of the restricted area.

Under any new PSPO the Police would have powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone consuming or intending to consume alcohol in breach of the Order.

Have your say

If you live or work in this area we would welcome your views on the proposal to make a PSPO and/or the contents of the proposed Order. Please read the proposed Order at the bottom of this page and complete the online survey below. If you need a paper copy of the survey or the proposed Order please contact us on (020) 8871 6950 or email communitysafety@wandsworth.gov.uk

The consultation will close on 1 February 2018.

The Council will consider all comments and representations received before deciding whether or not to make a PSPO.

Anyone wishing for help with alcohol problems can access advice and treatment through an ongoing programme of outreach in the area - for more information please contact outreachwandsworth@mungos.org